Why should I get tested for STBBIs?

Screening involves analysing your bodily fluids to find out whether you’ve contracted an STBBI. It’s an essential—yet often overlooked—check-up so you can enjoy steamy moments, stress-free. 

Getting tested for STBBIs is a bit like giving a big free hug to the privates of the world. It’s the equivalent of whispering “I love you” in the ear of your partner—or partners.

By knowing your sexual health status, you can pursue the right treatment options, limit the spread, and protect your partner(s). Sounds like music to your ears, doesn’t it?

Contrary to the popular saying, when it comes to STBBIs, you don’t need to see it to believe it. In fact, many of us can contract an STBBI without developing symptoms. Thankfully, screening is your friend, and it can tell you whether you have an STBBI that’s on “mute” so you don’t transmit it without knowing it! A bit like a roast in a slow-cooker, never forget that just because it’s not burning doesn’t mean it’s not simmering.

If you think you have symptoms or find yourself in any of the following situations, don’t wait—make an appointment for a medical consultation:

• One of your partners has tested positive;

• You have been the victim of sexual assault (if this is the case, you can contact the Info-aide sexual violence helpline on 1 888 933‑9007);

• You are pregnant.

Consult our factsheets on the main STBBIs for more details

Unfortunately, you can contract most STBBIs more than once in your lifetime. It’s therefore important to get tested regularly to monitor your health.

Getting tested regularly (1 to 4 times a year) makes you a pretty decent partner and someone who cares about their own health and that of others.

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you right away. But, we created a quiz to help you work out if your parts need a check-up before the summer fun gets started. 

[button: Take the quiz]

Step 1: Booking an appointment

The first step is to book an appointment at a testing centre of your choice. Depending on where you choose to go, you’ll need to call or fill out an online form to book an appointment. You’ll spend more time waiting in line at the bathroom of your favourite festival, promise. 

When is the best time to book an appointment after being exposed to a risk of infection?

In order for the test to be reliable, you need to wait a minimum period after exposure and before testing. This timeframe varies depending on the sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) you’re being tested for. The best thing to do is to book an appointment as soon as you have any concerns after the sexual contact so that a healthcare professional can work with you to determine which tests to take and when to take them. You may need to return for further testing—don’t worry, the healthcare professional will let you know if that’s your situation. Make sure you use protection (internal or external condoms, latex squares or dental dams, latex gloves, etc.) during sex whilst you’re waiting for your results.

If you think you have symptoms, don’t go for a screening. Instead, make an appointment with a doctor. 

Step 2: Don’t forget your health insurance card

Make sure you’re carrying your very important health insurance card. If you don’t have one or if your card has expired, consultation fees may apply depending on the clinic. Check before your appointment.

If you don’t have a valid health insurance card, some organisations also offer free screening tests across Quebec. Visit their websites to find the service centre located nearest to you. Here are a few examples:

• Service intégré de dépistage et de prévention des ITSS (SIDEP)  – across Québec: find out if you’re 

• Médecins du monde – mobile clinic in Montreal;

• L’Anonyme – for 14–30-year-olds in Montreal;

• Bureau de lutte aux infections transmises sexuellement et par le sang (BLITSS) – in Victoriaville;

• Sidaction Mauricie – in Trois-Rivières.

Step 3: Questions and discussion with the professionals

Once you arrive at your appointment, you’ll be greeted by a nurse and/or a doctor. They will ask you to complete a short questionnaire to determine your risk factors for infection and the tests best suited to your situation. At some clinics—most notably Prelib—you can fill out this questionnaire online! We know that answering these kinds of questions face-to-face can be awkward for some people. Thank goodness for the*internet*! Whether you’re responding online or in-person, just know that these answers are completely confidential. You’re in good hands, so don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences and sexual activities with the healthcare staff—this will help them determine the right tests to administer. 

Many services actively strive to provide inclusive and comfortable care. Check out the list of participating test clinics and, when you’re ready to book an appointment, use the search tool to filter options. 

Step 4: TEST TIME!

After the brief consultation, the next step is undergoing the necessary tests. These may include blood tests, urine tests, self-samples and/or samples taken by the healthcare professional. No worries, they’ll share the necessary instructions with you at this time. Keep in mind, depending on the STBBI you’re being screened for and your sexual activities, there are different tests available. If you prefer, you can complete a full range of tests, even if you’re not considered to be at risk—don’t hesitate to let the medical staff know when you go in for your screening. There’s nothing wrong with wanting total peace of mind. 

Step 5: Payment (sometimes)

After your screening, you may be required to pay for the cost of taking samples and/or transporting them.

Step 6: Waiting for results

Depending on the clinic, you may or may not be notified of a negative result, but you will always be notified when the results are positive. How long you wait for your results largely depends on the STBBI clinic where your screening was conducted. 

Generally, clinics work with laboratories and their turnaround times depends on the number of tests requiring analysis. If you want to get your results as soon as possible, you can go to clinics that work with private labs, which allow you to get your results faster. 

In the meantime, be sure you protect yourself during every sexual encounter (oral, genital and anal) and follow the specific instructions from your doctor or nurse while you await results. You don’t want to spread your STBBI like a seagull spreads chip crumbs across a parking lot, now, would you? 

In order for the test to be reliable, you need to wait a minimum period after exposure and before testing. This period varies depending on the sexually and blood-borne infection (SBBI) being tested for:

• Chlamydia: 14 days

• Gonorrhoea: 14 days

• Syphilis: 12 weeks

• Hepatitis B: 12 weeks

• Hepatitis C: 12 weeks

• HIV: 12 weeks

The best thing to do is book an appointment as soon as you have doubts following a sexual encounter. This way, a healthcare professional can work with you to determine which tests to take, and when you should take them. In some cases, you may need to return to the clinic for further testing. Don’t worry, the healthcare professional will let you know if that’s your situation. Make sure to use protection (internal or external condoms, latex squares or dental dams, latex gloves, etc.) when having sex while you wait for your results. 

If you think you may have been exposed to someone with HIV, we urge you to book an emergency medical appointment as soon as possible to access PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a bit like the morning-after pill, but for HIV: it should be taken as soon as possible after initial exposure—ideally within 72 hours—in order to be as effective as possible.

To get PEP, go to the Emergency at your local hospital or to a clinic specializing in sexual‌ health. A pharmacist may also prescribe for three days following exposure, just to tide you over until your appointment. 

Good to know before your appointment.

Do I need to fast before my screening test?

No, you don’t need to avoid eating or drinking for an STBBI screening, regardless of which test you’re having.

That said, try not to urinate for at least an hour before your appointment—that way, it’ll be easier if you’re asked to provide a urine sample. 

Can I get tested if I’m on my period?

Yes, you can get tested if you’re on your period! Bleeding shouldn’t affect vaginal swabs or urine tests.

If you’re uncomfortable with it, you can always wait a few days until after your period.